Woodland Mall is planning to re-open on June 1st for shopping appointments.
Both shoppers and tenants will see new sanitation protocols in place to "enhance the safety of all and to promote physical distance," according to the mall today. That includes hand sanitizing stations and greeter's at the mall entrances to offer you a mask if you don't have one.
The mall said it expects "many of its retailers" to join Von Maur and Urban Outfitters in offering appointments for up to 10 shoppers at a time.
Von Maur Store Manager, Claire Espest said they will be able to serve more than 10 customers at a time due to their size, as long as customers can stay a reasonable distance from one another.
She said, "It’s like Christmas morning like literally yesterday was so exciting just turning the music back on.”
Smaller stores may limit their numbers further and the mall said their maximum capacity will be 750 guests.
Guests under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, given the limited occupancy.
The malls parent company, PREIT, said Tuesday that they'll be taking a number of other precautions in addition to increasing the frequency in which staff cleans high-touch surfaces.
Heather Crowell, the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Communications for PREIT said even with the mall open again, it won’t be the same social experience.
She said, "We’ve removed the furniture, we’ve removed self seating, food court furniture, we are limiting the use of the restroom so we can promote social distancing. We’ve got stickers all over the floor reminding them to stay 6 feet apart. “
Woodland Mall will also reduce its hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Some stores may modify the hours further.
“To say we are excited about Monday’s re-opening is an understatement,” said Tony DeLuccia, general manager, Woodland Mall. “We are truly thrilled to be opening our doors again and have spent significant time and energy to ensure we can do so safely.
“Our retailers are eager to welcome back customers now that shopping by appointment is permissible in Michigan. We can’t wait to welcome guests back on Monday.”
The mall closed on March 23 in "an effort to slow the spread" of the Coronavirus.
Several retailers and restaurants have offered limited curbside pickup since March.
“Woodland Mall has been a gathering spot for our community for more than 50 years,” DeLuccia said. “That has not changed, even though we have made some modifications to ensure the safety of all.
"We are ready to open our doors on Monday and look forward to seeing our friends and neighbors again.”
More information on the mall's COVID-19 precautions, tenant openings and jobs is online.
Kentwood Mayor, Stephen Kepley released a statement today saying he is thrilled Woodland will be opening back up to better-serve the community.
“We are so pleased to learn Woodland Mall is ready to reopen for shopping appointments. The mall has invested in new sanitation and other protocols in order to safely welcome back shoppers and retailers,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The mall and PREIT have made a significant investment in Kentwood with the redevelopment, which has resonated with our residents and the broader community. We wish the Mall continued success as we work collectively to jumpstart our local economy.”